Stockholm has this incredible European feel that I absolutely loved: cobblestone streets, waterways, beautiful old buildings everywhere you look. One thing I didn’t quite account for though is how far north it actually is. Even with a decent forecast, it was cooler than I expected, so pack a layer or two more than you think you need. But don’t let that put you off. It’s one of the most stunning cities, and if you’re planning a trip, here are the best things to do in Stockholm in three days.
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Where to Stay: Hilton Stockholm Slussen
Location is everything in Stockholm, and the Hilton Stockholm Slussen gets it exactly right. Sitting in the Södermalm district, just a short walk from Gamla Stan (the Old Town), it’s central enough to walk almost everywhere while being in a neighbourhood that feels genuinely lived-in rather than tourist-saturated.
The location is probably the hotel’s biggest strength. Slussen is a vibrant, creative area full of independent coffee shops, great restaurants, and locals who haven’t been priced out yet. You’re minutes from the water, minutes from the Old Town, and well connected to the rest of the city by metro and ferry. A fair heads up though: the rooms are a little old school in terms of finish and style. Not bad by any means, but don’t expect a super modern feel. Still very comfortable and perfectly good for a city break.
One thing worth knowing: the breakfast here is phenomenal. Genuinely one of the best hotel breakfasts I’ve had. However, if you’re tempted to upgrade to the executive lounge, be aware that breakfast is not included in that package — so you’d actually be losing out. Stick with the standard rate and enjoy the breakfast. You can book your hotel stay here.
For dinner, walk around the corner to Vinvalvet 1644, a tapas restaurant tucked into a wine cellar right next to the hotel. It was one of the best meals of the trip — great food, great atmosphere, candlelit and cozy underground. Between the restaurant and the bar we found later in the trip (you’ll read below), I’m starting to think Stockholm just does everything better when it’s below street level!
Things to Do in Stockholm
The Katarinahissen Viewpoint
While you’re staying in Slussen, don’t miss the Katarinahissen — a historic elevator and viewing platform that’s literally a few minutes’ walk from the Hilton. It’s free, it takes about 20 minutes, and the views over Gamla Stan and the waterways are genuinely stunning. We went around sunset and it was one of those spontaneous moments that ended up being a highlight of the trip. There are also dining options inside if you want to make an evening of it. Gondolen restaurant and bar sits right at the top with those same incredible views. Well worth it.
Explore the Stockholm Archipelago (and Visit Vaxholm)
One of the best things about Stockholm is that you’re surrounded by the archipelago — over 30,000 islands and islets stretching out into the Baltic. Even if you only have 3 days in Stockholm, try to get out onto the water at least once. We headed to Vaxholm, about an hour by ferry from the city center, and it was one of the highlights of the whole trip. Pastel-painted wooden houses, harbourside cafes, a pace of life that’s almost aggressively relaxed. Walk the main street, eat something with dill on it, and take in the views across the water.
While you’re in Vaxholm, visit the fortress. Vaxholm Fortress is a formidable island citadel with centuries of military history, sitting right in the middle of the water. You take a small boat over and explore the grounds. The combination of the peaceful town and the dramatic fortress makes for a really full and satisfying day out. Read more on our Vaxholm blog post: Vaxholm Day Trip from Stockholm: Everything You Need to Know.
Do a Sauna
You can’t go to Sweden without doing a sauna, and Stockholm has taken the concept and run with it. We went the full extra mile and did a floating sauna in Vaxholm, which was an experience I won’t forget. You heat up inside, then jump into the freezing water of the archipelago. It sounds rough. It is rough. But it’s also brilliant. Even if you just do a traditional sauna somewhere in the city, make it happen. It’s one of those things that’s genuinely part of the culture here, not just a tourist add-on.
The ABBA Museum + Breakfast
Yes, it’s a museum about a pop group. No, you don’t need to be a superfan to love it. The ABBA Museum is interactive, inventive, and genuinely fun — one of the better music museums I’ve come across anywhere. You can try on replica costumes, step into a holographic performance with the band, and get the full story behind one of the most successful acts in music history. We got through this in about an hour and then sang ABBA for the rest of the day, haha.
Afterward, we enjoyed a late breakfast at Café Pascal nearby. The café offered a wide variety of food, coffee, and drink options, and everything we tried was delicious. I especially loved sitting at a candlelit table. All of the tables had candles, and it gave the whole experience such a cozy and charming atmosphere.
The Vasa Museum
This one is genuinely unlike anything else. The Vasa was a Swedish warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628, just 1,300 metres into the journey. It was salvaged in 1961 almost completely intact, and the museum was built around it. You walk in and there is this enormous, 400-year-old warship just sitting there, preserved in extraordinary detail, right in front of you. The scale is staggering. It might be the best museum in Stockholm. Don’t skip it.
The Army Museum
Less famous than the Vasa but well worth your time. The Army Museum tells the military history of Sweden in a way that’s thoughtful and genuinely interesting. The exhibits cover everything from medieval warfare to the 20th century, with great collections of weapons, uniforms, and immersive reconstructions. It’s free to enter, well laid out, and gives real depth to the country’s history that you just won’t get from wandering the streets.
The Royal Palace
Right in the heart of Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe and still the official residence of the Swedish royal family. You can explore several museums inside and, if your timing is right, watch the Changing of the Guard in the courtyard. It’s free to visit the outer areas and well worth building into your Old Town wander.
A Viking Dining Experience
If you want a night out that’s equal parts hilarious and unforgettable, Afiuri Grog Bar is it. This Viking-themed dining experience is full-on! We also tried mead for the first time and it was good. The experience is theatrical, it’s fun, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is exactly why it works. Great for a group and one of those nights you’ll be laughing about for awhile. Some even tried reindeer heart….I couldn’t bring myself to do it.
Galdrs Krypta: Stockholm’s Best Underground Bar
For a completely different kind of evening, head to Galdrs Krypta. This underground bar is everything you want from a hidden Stockholm gem — dark, atmospheric, tucked below street level with a vibe that feels like you’ve stumbled into somewhere you weren’t supposed to find. Between this and Vinvalvet 1644, Stockholm clearly has a thing for making its best experiences underground.
Wander Gamla Stan
No Stockholm trip is complete without time in the Old Town. Gamla Stan is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe — narrow cobbled lanes, colorful buildings, and a really beautiful atmosphere especially in the early morning before the crowds arrive. Grab a cinnamon bun from a bakery and just walk without a plan.
Also Worth Knowing About
If you have more time or want to squeeze in extra culture, the Nobel Prize Museum in Gamla Stan is small but fascinating, a great way to spend an hour or two. It covers the history of the prize and the stories behind some of the most remarkable winners. Not one to rush, but easy to fit into a morning in the Old Town. We also heard Meatballs for the People restuarant was great, but the wait was too long for us to get in.
Practical Tips to Explore Stockholm
Getting around Stockholm is very easy. The subway system (called the Tunnelbana) is clean, safe, and simple to navigate, and the ferries are a fun way to get around while seeing the city from the water. Bolt and Uber are both available as well.
If you’re planning a trip, three days is enough time to see a lot of Stockholm. You can visit the major museums, take a day trip into the archipelago, and still have time to enjoy restaurants and bars at night. Of course, you could easily spend longer there, but three days is a great amount of time for a first visit.
The best time to visit is from May through September. Late spring is especially beautiful, with long daylight hours, blooming flowers, and lots of energy around the city. If you go outside of this, the city will be darker for longer.
Stockholm can be expensive compared to many U.S. cities, so it’s good to budget around $150/200 per day for food and activities, not including your hotel (obviously less though if you don’t plan to do a lot of sit-down meals). The good news is that some of the city’s best experiences — like walking through Gamla Stan, exploring the waterfront, or visiting parts of the Stockholm Royal Palace area — are free or very affordable.
In Conclusion
Stockholm is one of those cities that earns a return visit. It’s beautiful in an understated way. It’s genuinely easy to enjoy whether you’re deep in a museum, jumping into the freezing Baltic Sea, or just sitting by the water with nowhere to be. We definitely want to explore more islands in the archipelago, so we will be back!
